Miri Visitor's Guide Booklet

I have lot of people request me the travel guide to be include in my Borneo Tourism Blogger.

So from know i will include and give as free for map travel guide location for Miri,Sarawak Malaysia.

Miri Visitor's Guide Booklet

This Guide Booklet will be in Adobe Reader format .pdf file.To download click on download button to download the Booklet.There are two guide include in the .rar file. It is useful when you come to Miri.

Useful Travel Map

I'm just post some useful travel map for tourist who like go to sabah

For user all file was compressed file using winzip and all map are in JPG format

a) Sabah Map
b) Kota Kinabalu Steet Map
c) Sabah West Coast Map

23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008

A traditional Chinese festival that evolved from myths and legend, that has grown into one of the main highlights of the year. This exciting race has attracted many teams from as far as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, China and Brunei.

The thugs of drums and the roar of oarsmen unite with sounds of the waves as Dragon Boats steadily, yet surely and as quickly make their way across the River Milo. The men search desperately for the body of one whose love and loyalty for his country is the symbol of true patriotism. Maidens throw dumpling after dumpling into the river in the hope that the fishes will not find Qu Yuan, their beloved poet and countryman. To stand spectator to this scene, one is certain to feel their grief and pain and yet, will also feel strength in the voices of the men and the power of their united spirit.

Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the first Dragon Boat Races, the Chinese today celebrate the Duanwu Festival not only to remember Qu Yuan, but also to continue the tradition to honour "the spirit of the dragon" which is the spirit of uniting and working together as a team for one common purpose.

This year Kota Kinabalu will host the 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race along the shores of the Likas Bay. Initiated by the Sabah Chinese Cultural Association 19 years ago, the Race was placed under the responsibility of the Sabah Tourism Board in 1996. The race was then briefly under the organised by the Ministry of Youth & Sports in the years 2002 and 2003 but is now (since 2004) back in the hands of Sabah Tourism.

During the Race competing teams drive their boats forward rowing to the rhythm of pounding drums. The multicoloured boats are decorated with ferocious-looking dragon heads, scaly bodies and elaborate tails that rise out of the sea. The winners of the race are crowned king for the year which is a great honour among the Chinese in Sabah.

Spectators are not only able to watch an exciting series of races but there are plenty of delicious local fare to be sampled at the stalls set up along Likas Bay. Look out for one of the most popular Dragon Boat Festival delicacy, rice dumplings called tzung tzi or chung tze which were originally eaten in memory of Qu Yuan, but has since gradually evolved into a snack for all occasions.

Event Date : 15th June 2008
Time : 07.00 am
Venue : Likas Bay,Kota kinabalu Sabah Malaysia Borneo

Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park is one of Nature's most spectacular achievements and the 'jewel in the crown' of Sarawak's expanding network of national parks. It is also the largest national park, covering 52,865 hectares of primary rainforest, which is criss-crossed by fast flowing rivers and clear jungle streams. Mulu is dominated by three mountains - Gunung Mulu (2,376 m), Gunung Api (1,750 m) and Gunung Benarat (1,585 m). Yet many of Mulu's greatest attractions lie deep below the surface. Hidden underneath the forested slopes of these mountains is one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world.

This system, a breath-taking natural wonder, contains a number of record breaking caves. With the world's largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world's largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber), and the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave), it is not surprising that Mulu is now world-famous. Over 200 km of cave passages have been surveyed but this is thought to represent just 30-40% of the actual total.

The oldest of Mulu's caves started to form about 5 million years ago when sideways earth movements resulted in the formation of both limestone and sandstone mountains, lying side by side. Millions of years of heavy rain and the action of rivers and running water carved out the vast subterranean system that exists today. The weathering process still continues; dripping water creates new rock features, limestone is slowly worn away, and underground rivers carve and sculpt the caves, transporting limestone debris to the cave mouth or redistributing it within the system.

Although Mulu is synonymous with caves, the 'Mulu experience' is not limited to underground attractions; above ground there is plenty to see and do. The park is covered in rich primary rainforest and offers a whole range of nature-based activities. There are some excellent jungle treks and mountain hikes, including the challenging trek to view the Pinnacles - 45 metre high, razor sharp limestone spikes that sit majestically on the slopes of Gunung Api.

With it's rich bio-diversity, and world-famous caves, Mulu offers the adventurous traveller an exhilarating cave and rainforest experience, possibly unmatched anywhere else on Earth.

Mulu's four Show Caves were selected for their uniqueness or sheer beauty. They can all be visited as day trips from the park HQ and are accessible by plankwalks and well-lit concrete paths. Strategically positioned spotlights highlight the unique features of the individual caves. A plankwalk leads through the forest to Deer and Lang's Cave whilst Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave are reached by taking a longboat up the Melinau River, or by following a 4 km nature trail. The more adventurous can do Adventure Caving.

Treks and Trails
Mulu has three adventure treks, all of which require a certain level of physical fitness. Basic camping gear is useful as overnight stays in jungle base camps are required. Trekkers must be accompanied by offical park guides. Most tour operators can assist with travel arrangements for these treks and can also supply any necessary equipment and food.

* The Pinnacles
* The Headhunter's Trail
* Gunung Mulu Summit Trek

Bio-Diversity
Ever since the 1930's the rich rainforest of the Mulu area has attracted scientists. Every expedition seems to discover something new - a plant or animal species previously unknown to man, animal behaviour patterns, a rainforest remedy, etc. Although these studies and expeditions have unearthed a mountain of scientific facts, they have barely 'scratched the surface' of Mulu's bio-diversity. However, this 'barely scratched surface' includes an impressive array of plants and animals.

The park contains 8 different types of forest - including peat swamp, health and mixed dipterocarp, moss forest and stunted upper monane vegetation - 4,000 species of fungi, 1,500 species of flowering plants. 1,700 species of moses & liverworts and estimated 3,500 species of plants.

Mulu's wildlife is equally impressive and includes 75 species of mammals, 262 species of birds (including the eight species of hornbill found in Sarawak), 74 species of frogs, 47 species of fish, 281 species of butterflies, 52 species of reptiles, 458 species of ants and 20,000 species of invertebrates. Mulu National Park

How to get there?
Miri, in Northeast Sarawak, serves as the main gateway for Gunung Mulu National Park. Malaysian Airlines operates scheduled services from Miri and Limbang to Mulu using 19 seater Twin Otter aircraft. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. Phone MAS (082-246622) for further details.

The park can also be reached by boat (via Marudi). However, there is no regular boat service on the last section of the trip so longboats must be chartered. This is best done in a group to save cost. Tour operators are able to arrange boat passage to Mulu if required.

Accommodation facilities
Accommodation facilities consist of chalets units, hostel-style rooms and a camping ground. Kitchen facilities are provided so that visitors can prepare their own meals. Please contact the Sarawak Tourism Board for the latest room tariff rates.

In addition to the park accommodation, the Royal Mulu Resort, an international class hotel, and a number of guesthouses are situated along the Melinau River, adjacent to the park.

Accommodation & Other Charges

Facilities
Upon arrival visitors are required to register at the Park HQ. Next to the registration counter there is a good information centre. The Park HQ also has a canteen which sells drinks and light meals.

Pre-book your accommodation, bring a raincoat, torch and camera flash (tripods are not allowed in the caves). Non slip shoes are essential as the trails are slippery. Plan for at least 2 days' stay in the park to see the cave system.

Jungle Life Is 'Under-Threat'

The culture of the jungle-living Penan people of Sarawak in Malaysia is under threat from logging.

Sarawak Secondly Home Programme

East Malaysia or Sarawak secondly Home Programme represents advertised of the Government from Malaysia to allow people of entirely across the worldwide who meet definite criteria, to stay in Malaysia as far since conceivable with a sociable visit authorize on an aggregate debut visa. The sociable Visit authorize is initially for a period frequently (10) years (dependent on the validness from the applicants’ pass) and is renewable.

Sarawak secondly place Programme are hospitable whole citizens of countries accepted of Malaysia regardless of race, religion, sex or age. Applicants is allowed to bring in on their partner and kids (under 18 years old who's not married).

These programme is originated coordinated and established by the Malaysian Government. It's, accordingly, a program, that the Government wish continuously work out to assure to them success.

We have piled up some valuable fact concerning Malaysia My Second Home Programme for our network Visitors.

In sarawak there are many interesting destination to discover such as

National Parks
Bako National Park
Gunung Mulu National Park
Niah National Park
Lambir Hills National Park
Similajau National Park
Gunung Gading National Park
Kubah National Park
Batang Ai National Park
Laogan Bunut National Park
Tanjung Datu National Park
Talang-Satang National Park
Bukit Tiban National Park
Meludam National Park
Rajang Mangroves National Park
Gunung Buda National Park

Wildlife Centres
Semengoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Matang Wildlife Centre
Lanjau-Estimau
Pulau Tukong Ara-Banun
Samunsam

Nature Reserves
Wind Cave Nature Reserve
Sama Jaya Nature Reserve
Semenggoh Nature Reserve

Knows more about this program such as

Incentives,Terms and conditions,Appilcaiton Procedure and so on check out mudtour

Water World Theme Park

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

What better way to cool down under the brilliant Sabah sun than to enjoy a day at the Water World Theme Park! Situated at Taman Tun Fuad Stephens, Bukit Padang, the park is a great place to bring the family for a splashing good time. Thrill-seekers will love the Torpedo Speed Slide and Double Loop Slide. There are several swimming pools to cater to adults as well as children.

Enjoy a round of Water Basketball or have a go at the Water Cannons. Other facilities include a cafeteria, an air-conditioned lounge with equipped with Astro, lazy chairs and a souvenir shop. The Park can also help organize special events, such as children's birthday parties, making it a memorable event for your little one. Contact the Park for their Special Packages.

Getting There
Taman Tun Fuad Stephens is only 15 minutes from the city centre. Take a taxi from the Milimewa taxi station (along Beach Street) for approximately RM17.00 per ride. Arrange for your return with your taxi driver. You can also take Bus no.11 from Jalan Tugu (opposite the KK High Court) for RM1.00 per person.

Opening hours
Monday, Thursday and Friday: 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 9:00am to 8:00pm

Admission fee
Children: RM5.00
Adults: RM10.00
Children below 3 feet & Senior Citizens: Free

Contact
Tel. no : +6088-263332 / 266667
E-mail: silverr@tm.net.my
Website: www.kampungnelayan.com/water.cfm

The Deer Cave of Mulu

"Believed to be the largest cave passage known to man, the Deer Cave located in Sarawak, is said to have the capacity to hold London's St. Paul's Cathedral five times over."

The Deer Cave is named after the deer which frequented the cave and which native hunters pursued. It is large enough to hold London's St. Paul's Cathedral five times over and is believed to be the largest cave passage known to man.

There are two entrances at either side of the cave. Thousands of bats live in this cave, and the odour from their droppings (guano) is noticeable some distance away from the mouth of the cave. Other cave dwellers include swiftlets, earwigs, centipedes, spiders, crickets, scorpions and white crabs.

The silhouettes of some of the cave’s limestone formations have been creatively interpreted; notably the profile of Abraham Lincoln. Adam’s and Eve’s Showers, at the East End of the cave, are hollow stalactites; water pressure increases when it rains. This darker section at the East End of the Deer Cave is the preferred habitat of the naked bat. Albino earwigs live on the bats’ oily skin and regularly drop off.

The cave’s east entrance opens onto ‘The Garden of Eden’ – a luxuriant patch of jungle, which was once part of the cave system until the roof collapsed. The West End of the cave is home to several million wrinkle-lipped and horseshoes bats. Hundreds and thousands of these bats pour out of the cave at dusk. Bat hawks can often be seen swooping in for spectacular kills.

A three-kilometre long walkway links the Deer Cave with the Park Headquarters. The walkway passes through virgin tropical forest where one can observe a huge variety of plants, orchids, insects, and other animals.

Taken from Virtual Malaysia

Mulu Batcam

Mulu National Park took another step forward in understanding and respecting the millions of bats at Deer Cave in the national park with the launching of the first webcam of real time unintrusive viewing of the mammals in their natural habitat.

The Mulu Batcam facility was launched by Prince Albert II of Monaco during his first visit to Mulu on Sunday.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and State Secretary Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot were among those present during the launching ceremony.

The group braved the rain, walking through the three-km walkway through the verdant virgin rainforest, to reach Deer Cave, where the iconic image of Lincoln profile has filled promotion brochures and many travel magazines around the world.

The Mulu Batcam project, regarded as another innovative ecotourism development by the state government, was conceived and implemented by Borsamulu Park Management Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

The technical design and implementation of the digital remote wildlife monitoring system was provided by CTG Security Matrix, an international award winning company from Australia, and the project is expected to be entered for another prestigious international award competition.

Mulu Batcam uses five remote controlled special television cameras and infra-red lighting placed inside Deer Cave, home to three million bats, to provide a spectacularly clear detail of bats’ behaviour in their natural habitat with the help of modern digital technology.

Prince Albert and guests were treated to the first hand look of the bats in the caves, including detailed close-up shots of the bats and swiftlets in the cave.

There was a heavy downpour after the visit to the Deer Cave by the Prince and his entourage, and the Batcam revealed the bats staying put in the cave, including caring for their young, grooming and hanging around the huge cave as they forego their meal outside.

Mulu was accorded the world natural heritage site by Unesco in November 2000, and visitors have increased to 25,000 from all over the world, and the arrival of Prince Albert added a touch of royalty to the world renowned site.

Prince Albert later told the local media that he was impressed with Mulu after watching a BBC documentary on the bats of Mulu and learning about the rich bio-diversity in the park from it and hearing personal anecdotes from the commentary director about a year and half ago. With conservation close to his heart, he said Mulu was an amazing spot of natural heritage which should be safeguarded and protected for posterity.

The Batcam project will not only help scientists but will also help to create greater public awareness of the bats and other ecological aspects of Mulu to generate conservation spirit among them.

Earlier, the managing director of Borsamulu Datuk Robert Geneid said Mulu had come a long way since its inception as a national park and eventual Unesco recognition as world natural heritage site.

Human capital development in proper training of park guides, singage, guide books and others together with infrastructure development under Borsamulu have now placed Mulu on the path of world renowned ecotourism destination, he said.
With locals as stakeholders, the park currently employs 80 local staff in park management and another 200 as local guides, while the Mulu Resort employs and trains another 80 to international standard in the tourism industry.

Her Excellency Evelyne Genta, His Excellency Achille Kallakis, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industries Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan and Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok were also present to witness the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Prince Albert released 40,000 fish fry into the Melinau River on his way to the Clearwater Cave where the royal visitor launched the mini regatta before proceeding to have breakfast at the foot of the cave.

They later left for Miri where they had lunch before flying off to Singapore.